Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress. James 1:27 The ministry we partnered with, HopEthiopia, uses James 1:27 as the core scripture on which their vision is built. Rather than an institutionalized orphanage, they have what is called a Children’s Village on their property. The … Continue reading The Widows and the Orphans
The Power of Story
Story is defined as an account of past events in someone's life or in the evolution of something. A good story has complex characters, action that builds, an exciting storyline, and surprising plot twists. We don’t often think of our lives as a story, but they are, which is why great stories resonate with us. Whether … Continue reading The Power of Story
We Choose Healing
Eighteen years ago, our country was violated by Fear. The rape was brutal and violent and caught us completely off guard. In the court of public opinion, some said we deserved it by the way we were acting. Others chimed in that we were pitiful and too stupid to understand the signs. As is common … Continue reading We Choose Healing
Entering Ethiopia
Making our way from the city of Addis Ababa landed us in traffic which resembles chaos. Vehicles of all kinds weaving in and out cutting one another off makes for a hair-raising ride. It is easier to trust the driver and look away. Gazing out the window gives more understanding of this place anyway. There … Continue reading Entering Ethiopia
A Near Miss
The bottom fell out. Rain was coming so hard and so fast my windshield wipers on high couldn’t keep up. I slowed to a crawl, as did all the cars around me…except one. I imagine the driver had someplace to be. I could feel the frustration radiating from the pickup in the stops and starts. … Continue reading A Near Miss
Celebrate Every Moment
I took Mom shopping this week to buy a present for Dad’s birthday, which is today, but first we had our nails done and went to dinner. We enjoy our girls’ nights when Dad goes to his support group for Dementia caregivers. This time Mom picked a different polish than she normally wears. The color … Continue reading Celebrate Every Moment
Circle of Light
It is amazing to me how little light it takes to shatter darkness. The smallest spark creates a point of light where once there was none. Then the spark lights a candle which, when it begins to burn, provides a circle of light. Each candle carries its own arch, and as it travels down the … Continue reading Circle of Light
The Recipe Box: The Rolodex of the South
I was born and bred in the Deep South, which means southern traditions run deep enough in me I don’t have to think about them. They bubble out of me spontaneously. Yet, some of these rituals are changing, to the point they are in danger of becoming extinct. One of these is The Recipe Box. … Continue reading The Recipe Box: The Rolodex of the South
Choose Love
I am a bit of a romantic, always have been. I suppose you could call me a sappy sentimental. I cry at commercials, and despite the cheesy storylines, I love Hallmark movies. They are completely unrealistic, totally predictable, and border on silly, but I love them anyway. The romance of new love is all about … Continue reading Choose Love
Dot-to-dots
Do you remember dot-to-dots? For those of you who are younger, a dot-to-dot is a hidden picture which is exposed when one uses a pencil to connect numbered dots, in order. I always loved dot to dots. They were part puzzle, part mystery, and part art. On the more complicated ones, it could be difficult … Continue reading Dot-to-dots
